About Audio Journal

Audio Journal is a nonprofit radio, cable, telephone and online broadcast service. We inform and empower people who are blind, have low vision, or unable to read or hold print and visual materials.

Vince Lombardi

Director

Welcome From Director Vincent Lombardi

GOALS

To increase availability of important information through our 24/7, 30 year old radio reading service.

Provide information and access to services

Combat isolation

Provide awareness of new adaptive devices

Make arts and culture more accessible

Whoever thought that when my eldest daughter suggested I follow her footsteps and volunteer to read on Audio Journal, that over two decades later I would still be here as the director. What a privilege it has been. This is a pivotal time for Audio Journal as we expand our service from providing basic access to information, to one striving to overcoming accessibility barriers for all residents of Central Massachusetts, be it basic and vital information, arts and culture, or employment training and opportunities.

As we prepare for the impact of the rapidly aging baby boomer population, we take a moment to show our appreciation for a supportive and encouraging community. The support of our major funders, the Memorial Foundation for the Blind, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the Agnes Lindsay Trust, the Alden, Daniels, Ellsworth, Fletcher, Fuller, Harrington, Heathcote, McEvoy, and Stoddard Foundations as well as corporate, individual and civic group support has made it possible to serve the community since 1987.

A sizable legacy gift from the family of former volunteer David Dean will ensure that Audio Journal will be here to address needs and apply technology as the future unfolds. It is exciting to be a part of the solutions, some as yet unknown, which will make life a bit easier, more inclusive and more compassionate. We welcome you to become a part of our mission.

VISION

To help create a world with access for those we serve. We see access as a fundamental right of all children and adults who are blind or have low vision. Having access to information and cultural performances is integral to maximizing opportunities for participation in all aspects of life, including community involvement, education, employment, finances, healthcare, parenting, leisure and recreation, shopping, socialization and all other activities of daily living.

MISSION

Audio Journal Inc. is a nonprofit social service agency working to provide access to information, increase employment opportunities and overcome accessibility barriers for residents of Central Massachusetts with visual impairments and physical disabilities.

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Radio Reading Services provide the only source of current, local printed information to our listenership. The signal is carried on the secondary FM channel of WICN 90.5 FM in Worcester. It broadcasts a signal heard on a special receiver. Audio Journal is also carried on some community’s public access cable TV stations, available via telephone and smart speakers, and is streamed live on the Internet atwww.audiojournal.org.

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There is no charge for our receivers and our broadcast service is free. Donations from listeners to help defray the cost of the receiver are always gratefully accepted. Receivers are also available on loan to provide temporary access to the service for those with a print disability due to surgery or other temporary causes. Contact us for your free receiver or if you want to donate one.

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The service broadcasts twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Local and national newspapers and magazines are read by volunteers. Extensive local programming as well as special and general interest programs are produced. No matter what one’s interest, a listener of Audio Journal can find a variety of programs that suit his or her needs.